No vote yet on Violence Against Women Act

The U.S. Senate continued its deliberations on reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act until 11 a.m. Tuesday, with the final vote expected about noon.

The Senate did defeat a Republican amendment offered by Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., that would have removed the right of tribal authorities to prosecute non-Native Americans accused of domestic violence and other crimes against Native Americans.

The point is a philosophical difference between Democrats and Republicans. Conservatives say the Constitution prohibits the federal government from enacting such a law. Democrats say it’s necessary, as Native Americans are 2. 5 times more likely to experience sexual assault, according to a U.S. Department of Justice report in 2000. While the philosophical point may have merit, it seems politically nonsensical.

Democrats have enough Republican votes to move the bill. The president has indicated he will sign it.